Statement by High Commissioner Guterres on the Darfur-Chad situation

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Statement by High Commissioner Guterres on the Darfur-Chad situation

Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno has reaffirmed that refugees in Chad will not be forcibly returned, and that Chad will abide by international principles. UNHCR urgently appeals to the international community to do everything possible to establish peace and security in Darfur, which is essential for the stability of the entire region.

By António Guterres

17 April 2006 Also available in:

Sudanese refugees from Darfur living in refugee camps in Chad here Djabal camp are concerned about their future security after fighting last week between government and rebel forces.

Geneva, Monday 17 April 2006

The following statement is attributable to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres:

"In the framework of our efforts to guarantee the protection of refugees from Sudan's Darfur region in Chad, I spoke with Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno on Sunday night and am pleased to report that he has reaffirmed that refugees will not be refouled [forcibly returned] and Chad will abide by international principles.

"President Deby expressed his understandable concern about the difficulties involved in providing security both to the refugees and to the humanitarian organisations that are helping them.

"UNHCR strongly appeals to the international community and its various organisations to do everything possible to urgently establish peace and security in Darfur, which is essential for the stability of the entire region. It is also essential to preserve the security of refugees and internally displaced people in Darfur and Chad, and potentially in other countries of the region as well."